The influence of personality traits on the music we listen to has been
the subject of a well-publicized recent study. Researchers at the
University of Texas studied the connection between music preferences
and personality traits, and announced their findings last June.
?Analyses of the data have revealed a number of robust relationships
between personality and music preferences, and have allowed us to
identify some major patterns in music preferences. For example,
regardless of age or sex, there are certain personality
characteristics that are strongly associated with preferences for
certain styles of music. In addition, we have found that people who
prefer certain music genres (for example, country) are more likely to
prefer certain other styles of music (religious) over others
Their study found substantial correlation between personality traits
and the music choices people make. They have two scales they have
used to measure this, a longer form called the Ten Item Personality
Measure (TIPI) and a short form called the Short Test of Music
Website of the researchers
Their article, ?The Do Re Mi?s of Everydary Life: The Structure and
Personality Correlates of Music Preferences?
The test in a more easy-to-use format, though not from the author's official site:
Research on playing one?s own music and personality is far scarcer.
There is quite a bit of literature on music and development, cited in
Dr. Gosling?s article, but little that relates directly to personality
Researchers have found a connection between gender stereotypes and
musical instrument preference:
"Preferences and children's use of gender-stereotyped knowledge about
musical instruments: making judgments about other children's
_Sex Roles: A Journal of Research,_ Oct, 2003, by A.C. Harrison, S.A. O'Neill
They have made a connection between inability to play music and an
inability of the brain to properly process music:
"Scanning a brain that's out of tune."
_Science News,_ Nov 23, 2002
They have studied expressiveness and cognitive skills:
"What's new in pedagogy research?(Professional Resources)"
_American Music Teacher,_ Oct-Nov, 2003, by Rebecca Grooms Johnson
There are a number of similar articles cited in "Do Re Mi," but
nothing directly related to playing music and personality.
I hope this answers your question. If you would like me to delve more
deeply into any of these topics, please let me know by requesting
clarification before rating this answer.
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